2012 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.
Among the marquee attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Ollivanders wand shop. With the assistance of a live actor along with amazing special effects, a young visitor, above, experiences what it was like for Harry Potter -- when the wand chose him.

“It’s not just for kids,” said Gail McGrath of Universal Orlando Resort. “We’re a theme park you can visit with your kids,” adds the regional sales manager for the resort’s destination sales division.

McGrath will be sharing even more about the resort during the Ultimate Travel & Vacation Expo at the Ultimate Soccer & Expo Center in Auburn Hills going on Oct. 13 and 14. That weekend scores of exhibitors will set up shop, giving the public the chance to research hundreds of vacation options and destinations, and take advantage of specials and incentives many of these agencies will be offering.

McGrath’s presentation will offer an overview of what Universal has to offer. The park has been open since 1990, and expanded in1999, growing from a one-day excursion to a vacation destination. On both days she’ll speak on what’s new at the park. She also points out that they’re different from Disney: As in, they’re not merely oriented toward youngsters.

Of course they do have attractions that appeal to the young, and the young at heart.

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For starters, in the Islands of Adventure park there’s the fairly new Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- “a huge draw,” as McGrath puts it. There, guests can explore Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, indulge in a pint of Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, pick out a wand that’s just right at Ollivander’s or take a ride on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster.

The Islands of Adventure park offers other attractions including travels through The Lost Continent, the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad Stunt Show, Dr. Seuss tales come to life, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, the Jurassic Park River Adventure, the new Despicable Me attraction, and a whole lot more.

Vendors will offer specials, including a savings on a four-night or longer stay at Universal. Visitors can opt to book add-ons to travel packages, from Blue Man Group and other nighttime shows. They can also opt for unlimited access on rides. All one needs to do is ask for what they want when they book; an expert can guide them to tailor the vacation they want.

Besides selling fun and memorable packages, expo visitors will be entertained, too. The first 100 children each day will get a coupon for some kiddie swag.

To learn more about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com/